20 Best Online Computer Science Masters Degree Programs in 2022 | Cost, Requirements, Rankings (2023)

Table of Contents
Online Masters in Computer Science Overview Are Online Masters in Computer Science Worth It? How Difficult is an Online Masters in Computer Science? How Much Does it Take to Earn Online Masters Degree in Computer Science? What are the Admission Requirements for Online Master’s Degrees in Computer Science? Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a Related Field Minimum GPA Requirement Acceptable GRE Scores Prerequisite Courses in Computer Science Prerequisite Courses in Statistics How Long Does it Take to Get Online Masters Degree in Computer Science? How Do I Get a Masters Degree in Computer Science Online? Select the Best Online Schools for Masters Degree in Computer Science Choose the Cheapest and Most Affordable Online Schools for Masters Degree in Computer Science Choose an Accredited Online Schools for Masters Degree in Computer Science What are the Best Online Computer Science Master’s Degrees? 2022 Rankings List of Best Online Computer Science Master’s Degrees – 2022 Rankings Stanford University Columbia University Johns Hopkins University University of Southern California Georgia Institute of Technology Boston University University of Texas at Austin Stevens Institute of Technology Syracuse University North Carolina State University at Raleigh Illinois Institute of Technology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Minnesota – Twin Cities The University of West Florida University of Illinois at Springfield New Jersey Institute of Technology Florida Atlantic University Colorado State University DePaul University Arizona State University Online Master’s in Computer Science Career Paths How Much Will You Earn With an Online Master’s Degree in Computer Science? Online Master’s Degree in Computer Science FAQs Conclusion References We Also Recommend FAQs Videos

20 Best Online Computer Science Masters Degree Programs in 2022 | Cost, Requirements, Rankings (1)

In the contemporary, increasing your earning power largely depends on the quantum of knowledge and maybe expertise, you can prove to have in any field. Fortunately, the most appropriate way to increase your wealth of knowledge is by certificates from further study; an online computer science masters could be it for you.

Currently, a lot of schools have made it easy for students who want to get a master’s degree, by creating authentic courses online. Thus, students can now study from anywhere in the world. Start now by checking out our 2022 rankings of the best schools that offer an online master’s degree in computer science.

This guide provides an overview of the best online master’s programs in computer science in the world, including information about the degree requirements, tuition fees, admission requirements, program objectives and concentrations, and formats delivery.

Above all, this article helps you explore some of the best online master’s degree courses in Computer Science. Ultimately, you should be able to settle for one that matches your search for a new skill. But first, check out the table of content below to see what we have for you.

Online Masters in Computer Science Overview

Online Master’s programs in computer science generally require 30 to 50-course credits, as well as a thesis, research project, or full exam. These programs cover topics such as computer and network security, information management and analysis, real computing, software systems, machine learning, and natural language processing.

Students often choose concentrations, which include elective courses. Additionally, some programs may offer students the option of completing either a thesis or a non-thesis tour.

Most importantly, some of the programs provide students with a solid foundation in computing and programming, preparing them for advanced computing professions or research careers. Especially for students who wish to obtain a doctorate degree in computer science.

After earning their master’s degree, they must complete a thesis to gain academic research and writing experience. Alternatively, students who plan to enter the job market after graduation could choose a path without a thesis.

Are Online Masters in Computer Science Worth It?

Anyone with a master’s degree in computer science knows that it takes a lot of time and money. If you currently have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, you may be wondering if it’s worth the time and money you will spend to graduate.

YES! An Online Masters degree in Computer Science is worth it. Here are some of the ways:

Firstly, the age of intensive computing offers us an exclusive opportunity to transform the way we learn. Unlike physical learning techniques, the online learning platform offers more functionality for students. Most universities do not distinguish between degrees earned remotely and those earned on campus.

In this sense, online courses contribute enormously to the educational landscape. The online education offered by many universities is completely designed for students to graduate in their learning style.

Choosing an online master’s degree can save you time and money in pursuing your career. You can graduate while you work. Most employers consider an online master’s degree in computer science as the degree earned on a regular basis.

But all you need to look for is college accreditation and the course and learning style the college offers to earn your master’s degree.

Finally, all you ned to do is to find out how much you can expect to spend on your courses, then focus on how much you could earn.

How Difficult is an Online Masters in Computer Science?

You may be wondering, Is an online master’s degree in computer science difficult? And how would you know the correct answer?

Let’s take a deeper look …

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than half a million new jobs will be created in the field until 2026, making computer science degrees a good option for a career in computer science.

Hence, if you are the type who is busy and love studying at your own pace, then an online degree is really what you need to earn your master’s degree in computer science.

There are many skills that can help you earn a degree in computer science online.

First, you need to be up and doing at all times. Do not have the habit of procrastinating. As much as it sounds easy, this is one difficult thing every student who studies online faces.

Also, some people think that only those who are really good at math and science are the right candidates to study computer science, but there is more to it than that.

Computer science degrees are different from software engineering, but there are many things you can do with a computer science degree. There’s no denying that it’s a tough course load, but it’s worth it because of job opportunities, salary expectations, and the fact that you can change the world for the better.

In some ways, an online master’s program in computer science is actually more difficult than an in-person program. Although the program is the same as classroom learning, the online learning experience may not be. For many students, this can make it more difficult to realize their full potential.

How Much Does it Take to Earn Online Masters Degree in Computer Science?

The first step in determining whether or not the cost of graduate school is worth the cost is knowing how much you will spend to graduate. Tuition fees to attend an online masters school can vary widely.

Currently, the average cost to attend an online master’s school is between $30,000 and $60,000. It is very important to compare tuition and other training costs, as you can weigh the pros and cons of earning your master’s degree online.

What are the Admission Requirements for Online Master’s Degrees in Computer Science?

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a Related Field

Most computer science master’s programs require each candidate to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or any related field. However, some institutions dim it fit to offer transition courses for students who have earned their bachelor’s degrees in other STEM disciplines.

Minimum GPA Requirement

Most schools that offer online master’s degrees in computer science programs maintain a minimum GPA requirement. This threshold depends on the particular program and is generally in the range 2.5-3.0. However, some schools allow provisional admission of applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement but have strengths in other areas of their application.

Acceptable GRE Scores

Many online master’s programs in computer science require applicants to submit acceptable GRE scores. Some schools may offer GRE waivers for students with a high GPA, while others do not require GRE scores at all.

Prerequisite Courses in Computer Science

Many online master’s degrees in computer science require applicants to have computer training, including a command of computer programming languages, algorithms, and systems. however, some programs may admit students who have not taken the necessary prerequisite courses, provided they complete them before beginning the master level courses.

Prerequisite Courses in Statistics

In addition to specific computer science courses, some programs also require prerequisite courses in statistics and probability. Those who have not met these prerequisites may have to take additional courses before enrolling in a master’s program.

How Long Does it Take to Get Online Masters Degree in Computer Science?

After spending 4-5 years studying for a bachelor’s degree, he is looking forward to giving up student life and entering professional life. Unfortunately, shortly after starting to gain work experience, you realize that everyone who competes for the next level has a master’s degree.

A typical online master’s program in computer science will take 2 years to earn when you study full time. If you work and study part-time, you can expect to spend 3 to 5 years studying. You must evaluate your time and decide whether to give up your social life and possibly some career opportunities, during your studies.

However, going for online programs will do you more good than harm. You are free to study at your own pace.

How Do I Get a Masters Degree in Computer Science Online?

Do you know that the benefits of an online program include relatively lower costs, greater flexibility, and greater accessibility? However, the traditional program offers you more opportunities to research and work with people who are already making progress in the field.

Here is our simple procedure of how to get an online Masters degree in Computer Science:

Select the Best Online Schools for Masters Degree in Computer Science

Choosing the best online school to study your masters program is the very first step of getting your Masters Degree in computer science online. The truth is that you can’t compare a school that is ranked the best with those that are just manageable.

Hence, when looking for the means to obtain a Masters degree, the first thing you should put into consideration is to check if that school is among the best universities that offers Computer Science.

Choose the Cheapest and Most Affordable Online Schools for Masters Degree in Computer Science

Another factor you need to consider is the tuition fee for online programs. Online masters programs are always not very expensive, so it is very much important that you choose the schools that are considerably cheap.

Though there is no university that you can say their tuition for online masters program is cheap, yet there are schools that their tuition is considerably lower than others. Apply to those schools.

But if you are keen to study in the best school not minding the cost, then go for it. It all depends on what you really want. However, most of these schools that offer online programs have scholarships in computer science that you ca1apply for.

Our computer science scholarship category has the best scholarships for Masters in computer science that you can apply for in any part of the world.

Choose an Accredited Online Schools for Masters Degree in Computer Science

Colleges and universities that offer online computer science programs receive accreditation from organizations recognized by the education board.

SEE ALSO: Excellent Scholarships At Tallinn University in Estonia 2021

Accreditation of a school has an impact on the transferability of course credits, as well as the eligibility of students for federal financial assistance. Hence, while choosing the online school to attend for your master’s program, make sure the department of computer science has its accreditation.

What are the Best Online Computer Science Master’s Degrees? 2022 Rankings

You don’t have to take our word for it, either. If you’re curious about how we compile our rankings,be sure to take a few moments to check out the World Scholarship ForumRanking Methodology.

List of Best Online Computer Science Master’s Degrees – 2022 Rankings

Online Master’s in Computer Science Career Paths

Earning an online master’s degree in computer science prepares graduates for a variety of IT careers, including positions such as web developers, computer systems analysts, information security analysts, computer network architects, and IT administrators. Most of these careers require only a bachelor’s degree to qualify for an entry-level position.

However, earning a master’s degree makes Computer science professionals eligible for specialized work, particularly roles that involve research, and often leads to a salary increase. Most IT professions do not require additional training, but those who want to do intensive research or work at academic institutions may need a Ph.D.

How Much Will You Earn With an Online Master’s Degree in Computer Science?

To really assess how well you will perform with a master’s degree, you need to determine how much you will earn once you graduate. Statistics show that graduates of graduate computer programs earn much more than those with 4-year degrees. The jump is much higher in this area than in other areas such as mathematics, communications, and the social sciences.

If that helps you see how much you’ll actually earn, research shows that master’s degrees in the field earn an average of $80,400. This is much higher than the average salary for a bachelor’s degree, which is 30% less than $62,200. Obviously, the increase in your salary depends on your title.

When you have your master’s degree with a computer science specialization, you can expand your professional horizons. This is why a computer science teacher currently ranks #2 on Forbes’ list of today’s best choices.

Be sure to take the time to choose the right school with a respectable online master’s degree in computer science, and you’ll be heading into an ever-expanding field.

Online Master’s Degree in Computer Science FAQs

An online master’s in computer science can provide individuals with specialized knowledge, lead to lucrative career opportunities, and/or act as a stepping stone toward a doctoral degree.

Courses in computer science cover foundational computing topics, such as database design and management, information systems analysis and design, programming languages, data security, and software development.

Students can also enroll in elective courses covering topics like artificial intelligence, health informatics, cybersecurity, and other specialty areas.

It usually takes 1-2 years to complete an online masters in computer science. However, some programs offer accelerated courses that allow for quicker completion times, while others have more in-depth research requirements that may take longer to complete.

Currently, the average cost to attend an online master’s school is between $30,000 and $60,000. It is very important to compare tuition and other training costs, as you can weigh the pros and cons of earning your master’s degree online.

YES! An Online Master’s degree in Computer Science is worth it. Here are some of the ways:
Choosing an online master’s degree can save you time and money in pursuing your career. You can graduate while you work. Most employers consider an online master’s degree in computer science as the degree earned on a regular basis.

You may be wondering, Is an online master’s degree in computer science difficult? And how would you know the correct answer?

In some ways, an online master’s program in computer science is actually more difficult than an in-person program. Although the program is the same as classroom learning, the online learning experience may not be. For many students, this can make it more difficult to realize their full potential.

BLS data indicate thatcomputer programmersearned a median annual salary of $84,280 in 2018.

While most computer programming and software development positions only require a bachelor’s degree, some mid-level positions require a master’s degree with a specific specialization. Additionally,computer and information research scientistsearned a median annual salary of $118,370 in 2018.

Graduates with a master’s in computer science can qualify for jobs as software engineers, web developers, computer programmers, information security analysts, computer network architects, and other related positions. Professionals may find these roles at software companies and in other industries, like healthcare and education.

Conclusion

In today’s IT job market, this highly competitive diploma is designed to enhance your computing skills, including data analysis, cybersecurity, distributed computing, and software engineering. Applying to study in one of the best schools that offer an online masters degree in computer science, will give you a strong background

References

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FAQs

Which is the best online masters in computer science? ›

2022 Best Accredited Online Master's in Computer Science Programs
  1. University of Southern California. ...
  2. Stanford University. ...
  3. Vanderbilt University. ...
  4. Tufts University. ...
  5. Georgia Institute of Technology. ...
  6. Boston University. ...
  7. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. ...
  8. North Carolina State University at Raleigh.

Which masters degree is most in demand in computer science? ›

  • Software Developer.
  • Web Developer.
  • Network Administrator.
  • Computer Programmer.
  • Software Engineer.
  • Information Security Analyst.
  • Computer Hardware Engineer.
  • Data Scientist.

Which specialization is best in computer science for Masters? ›

11 Common Computer Science Specializations
  • Artificial Intelligence. ...
  • Computer-Human Interface. ...
  • Game Design. ...
  • Networks. ...
  • Computer Graphics. ...
  • Information Security. ...
  • Data Science. ...
  • Programming Languages.
28 Jan 2022

Which master's degree is most in demand in USA? ›

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most popular graduate degrees. With an MBA program, you can hone your leadership and management skills to make an impact in the fast-paced, competitive business world.

Are online masters degrees respected? ›

Yes. Advanced degrees completed online have just the same value as if you were to attend class in person. Just look for one that's verified by one of the many accrediting agencies out there and backed up by U.S. News & World Report's highest level higher education rankings.

Is a masters in computer science worth it? ›

But what can take you even further in your career is earning a master's degree in computer science. The 2021 median pay for computer scientists was $131,490, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which also notes that these jobs typically require a master's degree in the field.

What is the highest paid field in computer science? ›

Software Engineer

With an average salary of ₹ 23,46,700 per annum, software engineers are among the highest-paid jobs for candidates with a computer science degree. Software engineers are largely responsible for maintaining and monitoring the technical aspects of the company.

Which field of computer science is in demand? ›

Machine Learning Engineer

With everything taking its course into the digital world, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) are the top-most skills that a computer science engineer should acquire.

Is MS in computer science difficult? ›

MS in Computer Science is not a difficult course, but you must study and prepare well to get a good score.

How do I choose a master's specialization? ›

Your choice of specialization should be based on the interest you have in a field of study. Having a passion for a subject will help you study it better, manage time pressures during the period of the course, and help you succeed in that area.

What is the easiest course in computer science? ›

Which is the easiest specialization in CSE branch in B. Tech
  • Computer Network and Security.
  • Mobile and Web computing.
  • Human computer interaction.
  • Internet of things.
  • Bioinformtics.
  • Software engineering.
  • Artificial Intelligence.
  • Mobile and internet computing.
30 Mar 2019

Which is the best course in Masters? ›

Contents
  • Marketing and International Business.
  • Computer Science (Master's in Business Administration, Computer Science major)
  • Economics (MBA)
  • Marketing Management.
  • Entrepreneurship.
  • Strategy.
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.
  • Petroleum Engineering.
4 Aug 2022

What is the easiest Masters degree to get? ›

Following is the list of easiest masters degrees that one can choose to specialize in.
  • Masters of Fine Arts (MFA)
  • Masters of Arts (MA)
  • Masters in Mass Communication.
  • Masters of Psychology.
  • Masters of Finance.
  • Masters of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
  • Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Masters of Science (MSc)

What is a good Masters degree to get in 2022? ›

Here's a list of the best master's degrees for 2022.
  • Data Science – A 21st Century Choice. ...
  • Cybersecurity – A Timely, In-Demand Master's. ...
  • Business Administration (MBA) – The Pick for Managers. ...
  • Healthcare Administration – The Business of Healthcare. ...
  • Project Management – Best for Project Leaders.
15 Jul 2022

What Masters degree earns the most money? ›

Best-paying master's degrees
  • Nurse anesthesia. Median pay: $165,000 per year. ...
  • Telecommunications engineering. Median pay: $141,000 per year. ...
  • Finance and economics. Median pay: $134,000 per year. ...
  • Electrical engineering. ...
  • Computer engineering. ...
  • Biomedical engineering. ...
  • Mathematics and statistics. ...
  • Technology management.

What is the easiest masters degree to get online? ›

Easiest Online Masters Degree Programs
  • Business Administration.
  • Communications.
  • Criminal Justice.
  • Education & Teaching.
  • Educational Leadership.
  • Healthcare Administration.
  • Human Resources.
  • Human Services.
28 Sept 2022

Why are online degrees not respected? ›

Experts say employers are largely more interested in the person than the degree. They generally won't recognize immediately if that person's degree was obtained online or in person. Some schools are fully online while others offer online programs in addition to their traditional in-person options.

Are online qualifications Recognised? ›

If they are regulated and accredited by an awarding body, they are no different from those studied on campus. You'll have received the same rigorous level of education and an indistinguishable qualification upon completion of online learning courses.

Can you get a masters in computer science without a bachelor in CS? ›

Can You Get a Masters in Computer Science Without a Bachelor's in Computer Science? You can pursue a masters in computer science with unrelated bachelor's degrees, but you're still going to need some prerequisite knowledge in subjects such as math, computer science, and programming.

What is masters in computer science? ›

The Master of Computer Science (MCS) is a degree program that includes advanced coursework in artificial intelligence, databases, interactive computing, software engineering, scientific computing, and high-performance computing. A well-known track specifically for studies in data science (the MCS-DS) is available.

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